Conventional Digital Subtraction Angiography Research Articles

高画質three-dimensional CT angiographyによる脳動脈瘤の急性期手術

Recent advancement of three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) allows high-spatial-resolution images for the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. Prior to operative intervention, the best possible strategy can be developed with the precise knowledge of the shape and location of the lesions in relation to the bone structure and the vascular arrangement, using 3D-CTA. However, replacing conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in order to develop the best treatment strategy remains controversial. In 47 patients with symptomatic cerebral aneurysms, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or cranial nerve palsy, between April, 2008 and December, 2011, we developed the treatment strategy with computer simulation using only 3D-CTA images of 64- or 320-detector row CT. Thirty-four of the 47 underwent neck clipping of the aneurysms, 3D-CTA clearly showed not only the exact locations of the aneurysms, but also neighboring bone structure such as the anterior clinoid process. Venous arrangements were more clearly shown with 320-detector row CT. In the seven other patients, subsequent DSA was done prior to neck clipping. Coil embolization was employed for the three other patients following the use of 3D-CTA. Two patients underwent parent artery occlusion with EC-IC bypass after DSA. In most cases of the cerebral aneurysms, 3D-CTA seems to be a reliable and less invasive method to develop the operative strategy. The 320-detector row CT can show more precise venous arrangements. If patients have cerebral vasospasm, conventional DSA is still necessary.

320-Detector row CT angiography for detection and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms: Comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

To compare the diagnostic performance of 320-detector row computed tomographic angiography (CTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms. Fifty-two consecutive patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and suspected intracranial aneurysms were evaluated from January 2009 to October 2011. All underwent both 320-detector row volume CTA examination and DSA. CTA volume data were transmitted to a VITREA workstation and two physicians with experience in diagnostic imaging of the nervous system independently carried out image post-processing and assessed the results. The three-dimensional (3D) CTA and DSA images were assessed using intraoperative findings as the reference standard. In 52 patients, 54 aneurysms were detected; 48 patients underwent surgery for 50 aneurysms. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D CTA were 96.3, 100, and 94.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSA were 98.1, 98.1, and 95.1%, respectively. For aneurysms less than 3 mm, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 3D CTA were 81.8, 100, and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSA for small aneurysms were 90.9, 100, and 96.2%, respectively. 3D CTA was superior to DSA in demonstrating aneurysmal calcification, parent artery, and surrounding vascular anatomy. 3D CTA is a highly sensitive, specific, and non-invasive imaging method for diagnosis and evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. It also allows for precise depiction of aneurysm morphology. Therefore, 320-detector row CTA may be used as an alternative to DSA as a first-line imaging technique in patients with SAH.

Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: 3.0-T versus 1.5-T MR Angiography Compared with Digital Subtraction Angiography

To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3-T versus 1.5-T contrast material-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with high spatial resolution in patients who have peripheral arterial occlusive disease, with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) serving as the reference standard. Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. DSA and standardized single-injection, three-station, moving-table CE MR angiography, with similar acquisition protocols and contrast agent doses at 3 T and 1.5 T, were consecutively performed in 19 patients (13 men and six women; mean age ± standard deviation, 67 years ± 9). Stenosis was scored visually in 500 arterial segments (97.5% of all available) in consensus by two radiologists in a blinded manner (the radiologists were unaware of the field strength and prior DSA and MR angiographic results and used randomized analysis order). Contrast-to-noise ratio was determined in the vascular tree of both legs. Statistical significance in stenosis scoring was evaluated by using generalized estimating equations. Contrast-to-noise differences were evaluated with paired t tests. Agreement between MR angiography and DSA was evaluated by using Fleiss-Cohen κ statistics. Both 3-T and 1.5-T CE MR angiography showed similar excellent agreement with DSA regarding stenosis classification (κ = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively). All sensitivity and specificity values exceeded 90%. Mean contrast-to-noise ratio was 3.0-4.2 times higher at 3 T than at 1.5 T. Standardized single-injection, three-station, moving-table 3-T CE MR angiography is reliable for classification of stenosis in patients suspected of having peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and diagnostic performance was similar to that seen with 1.5-T MR angiography. There was a significantly increased contrast-to-noise ratio for identical contrast agent dose at 3-T MR angiography.

Benefits of 3D Rotational DSA Compared with 2D DSA in the Evaluation of Intracranial Aneurysm

The aim of this study was to compare conventional two-dimensional (2D) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with three-dimensional (3D) rotational DSA in the investigation of intracranial aneurysm in terms of detection, size measurement, neck diameter, neck delineation, and relationship with surrounding vessels. A further aim was to compare radiation dose, contrast volume, and procedural time between the two protocols. Thirty-five patients who presented with subarachnoid bleeds on computed tomography and were suspected of having intracranial aneurysms underwent conventional 2D DSA followed by 3D DSA. The 3D digital subtraction angiographic images were displayed as surface shaded display images. Aneurysm detection, sac size, neck diameter, neck delineation, and relationship of aneurysm to the surrounding vessels analyzed from the two protocols were compared. Radiation dose, contrast volume, and procedural time for both examinations were also compared. Three-dimensional DSA detected 44 aneurysms in 31 patients, with negative findings seen in four patients. A false-negative detection rate of 6.8% (three of 44) for 2D DSA was noted. There was no significant difference in aneurysm size between 3D and 2D DSA. The sizes of aneurysm necks were found to be significantly larger in 3D DSA than on 2D DSA. The aneurysm neck and relationship to surrounding vessels were significantly better demonstrated on 3D DSA than on 2D DSA. Radiation dose (entrance surface dose), contrast use, and procedural time with 3D DSA were significantly less than with 2D DSA. Three-dimensional DSA improves the detection and delineation of intracranial aneurysms, with lower radiation dose, less contrast use, and shorter procedural time compared to 2D DSA. The size of the aneurysm neck on 3D DSA tended to be larger than on 2D DSA.

Rotational angiography for diagnosis and surgical planning in the management of spinal vascular lesions

The management of spinal vascular malformations has undergone significant evolution with the advent of advanced endovascular and angiographic technology. Three-dimensional rotational spinal angiography is an advanced tool that allows the surgeon to gain a better appreciation of the anatomy of these spinal vascular lesions and their relation to surrounding structures. This article describes the use of rotational angiography and 3D reconstructions in the diagnosis and management of spinal vascular malformations. The authors present representative cases involving surgical treatment planning for spinal vascular malformations with focus on the utility and technique of rotational spinal angiography. They report the use of rotational spinal angiography for a heterogeneous collection of vascular pathological conditions. Eight patients underwent rotational spinal angiography in addition to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the diagnosis and characterization of various spinal vascular lesions. Postprocessed images were used to characterize the lesion in relation to surrounding bone and to enhance the surgeon's ability to precisely localize and obliterate the abnormality. The reconstructions provided superior anatomical detail compared with traditional DSA. No associated complications from the rotational angiography were noted, and there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of radiation exposure to patients undergoing rotational angiography relative to traditional angiography. The use of rotational spinal angiography provides a rapid and powerful diagnostic tool, superior to conventional DSA in the diagnosis and preoperative planning of a variety of spinal vascular pathology. A more detailed understanding of the anatomy of such lesions provided by this technique may improve the safety of the surgical approach.

Optimized angiographic computed tomography with intravenous contrast injection: an alternative to conventional angiography in the follow-up of clipped aneurysms?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an optimized angiographic CT (ACT) program with intravenous contrast agent injection (ivACT) in the assessment of potential aneurysm remnants after neurosurgical clipping compared with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The authors report on 14 patients with 19 surgically clipped cerebral aneurysms who were scheduled to undergo angiographic follow-up. For each patient, the authors performed ivACT with dual rotational acquisition and conventional angiography including a 3D rotational run. The ivACT and 3D DSA data were reconstructed with different imaging modes, including a newly implemented subtraction mode with motion correction. Thereafter, the data sets were merged by the dual-volume technique, and freely rotatable 3D images were obtained for further analysis. Observed aneurysm remnants were electronically measured and classified for each modality by 2 experienced neuroradiologists. Digital subtraction angiography and ivACT both provided high-quality images without motion artifacts. Artifact disturbances from the aneurysm clips led to a compromised, but still sufficient, image quality in 1 case. The ivACT assessed all aneurysm remnants as true-positive up to a minimal size of 2.6×2.4 mm in accordance with the DSA findings. There was a tendency for ivACT to overestimate the size of the aneurysm remnants. All cases without aneurysm remnants on DSA were scored correctly as true-negative by ivACT. By using an optimized image acquisition protocol as well as enhanced postprocessing algorithms, the noninvasive ivACT seems to achieve results comparable to those of conventional angiography in the follow-up of clipped cerebral aneurysms. The authors have shown that ivACT can provide reliable diagnostic information about potential aneurysm remnants after neurosurgical clipping with high sensitivity and specificity, sufficient for clinical decision making, at least for aneurysms in the anterior circulation located distal to the internal carotid artery. These preliminary results may be a promising step to replace conventional angiography by a noninvasive imaging technique in selected cases after aneurysm clipping.

Ray-based approach to skeletal muscle perfusion measurement on interventional x-ray systems

Periprocedural assessment of tissue perfusion by imaging methods could improve outcome control during treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Currently, endovascular revascularization treatments are assessed by planar angiography which only allows for qualitative inspection of blood flow in vessels. In this paper, we present a method for periprocedural perfusion estimation based on temporal attenuation curves in skeletal muscles using angiographic C-arm systems. The proposed method tackles the loss of spatial depth information which occurs in conventional angiography by combining the acquired angiograms with two additional C-arm rotational soft tissue scans. The area subject to contrast propagation is segmented from the two images that are tomographically reconstructed from the rotational scans and is then used to estimate the spatially averaged temporal contrast attenuation along the x-ray directions from the angiograms. A segmentation method which is tailored to the estimation procedure is applied to limit inaccuracies in the estimation. The accuracy of the method in estimating tissue blood flow in muscular tissue is evaluated in a simulation study using experimental data from CT perfusion acquisitions. Results show that perfusion estimation accuracy is limited owing to spatial inhomogeneity of contrast in muscular tissue and to the presence of vessels along the x-ray directions. Nonetheless, the spatially averaged perfusion quantification allows for improved visual differentiation of normal and hypoperfused tissue in comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography. Periprocedural assessment of muscle perfusion through digital subtraction angiography is challenging due to lack of longitudinal information in the planar projections. By including additional 3D information on the anatomy retrieved from rotational soft tissue scans, the visualization and differentiation of normal and hypoperfused areas can be improved.

3T versus 1.5T MR angiography in peripheral arterial occlusive disease: an equivalence trial in comparison with digital subtraction angiography

Summary Standardized single-injection 3-station moving-table 3T contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) is reliable for stenosis detection and classification in peripheral arterial occlusive disease with equivalent diagnostic performance as 1.5T CE-MRA, while contrast-to-noise ratio significantly increased at 3T for identical contrast dosage. Background Contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) has evolved into a reliable imaging technique for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Recent advances in MRI technology offer large homogeneous magnetic fields with comparable Field-of-Views at 3T and 1.5T, allowing visualization of the complete runoff vascular tree by single-injection 3-station (pelvic/thigh/calf) moving-table CE-MRA. Diagnostic performance of 3T versus 1.5T CE-MRA has not yet been described. The purpose of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of 3T CE-MRA in POAD in an equivalence trial with 1.5T CE-MRA, with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the standard of reference. Methods In nineteen patients (13 men; mean age 69 years), DSA and standardized single-injection 3-station moving-table CE-MRA with equivalent acquisition protocols and contrast dosage were performed at 3T and 1.5T MRI (Philips, Best, the Netherlands). For CE-MRA, 0.2 mmol/kg body weight gadoterate meglumine was injected, with the first half of the bolus at 2 mL/s and second half at 0.6 mL/s. At 1.5T, a quadrature body coil (QBC) was used for imaging pelvic and thigh stations and a 4-element phased array coil for calf station. At 3T, a QBC was used in all three stations. DSA was performed using iomeprol injection at variable volumes and flow rates depending on the arterial segment. The arterial tree in each patient was divided into 27 segments, infrarenal aorta, common and external iliac arteries, common and superficial femoral arteries, popliteal arteries in thigh and calf station, tibiofibular trunk, proximal and distal halves of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries and peroneal arteries. Visual stenosis classification was performed in consensus by two radiologists in blinded manner using the following categories: class 1 (0%-stenosis), 2 (1-50%), 3 (51-75%), 4 (76-99%) and 5 (100%). Quantitative analysis of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was performed for the external iliac artery and the superficial femoral artery. Results

Bowhunter's Syndrome Diagnosed with Provocative Digital Subtraction Cerebral Angiography

Bowhunter's syndrome, also known as rotational occlusion of the vertebral artery, involves posterior circulation ischemia resulting from dynamic compromise of the dominant vertebral artery. This case highlights the importance of provocative digital subtraction angiography in making the diagnosis. A 41-year-old man presented for outpatient neurological evaluation for “lightheadedness” of several years' duration provoked by leftward head rotation. The only abnormality identified on initial magnetic resonance angiography was atresia of the nondominant left vertebral artery. Conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) followed by provocative DSA revealed development of a dynamic stenosis of the right vertebral artery involving the extraforaminal segment just superior to the C1 vertebra. Noncontrast computed tomography of the cervical spine confirmed ossification of the posterior right atlanto-occipital membrane leading to a near complete bony arcuate foramen. Following neurosurgical decompression, the patient demonstrated complete resolution of all neurologic symptoms. Bowhunter's syndrome is a unique clinical entity that must be considered in the evaluation of patients with symptoms of posterior circulation ischemia. Provocative DSA remains the preferred modality for definitive diagnosis.

Intra-arterial CT angiography visualization of arterial supply to inferior vena cava tumor thrombus prior to radioembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma has a high frequency of vascular invasion and arterial parasitization. Trans-arterial radioembolization using yttrium-90 (Y90) microspheres is a possible treatment option. Paramount to its success is the meticulous angiographic interrogation of tumor feeding arteries and extra-hepatic supply. We describe a patient with tumor invasion of the inferior vena cava with arterial supply from the right inferior phrenic artery, which was exquisitely visualized using intra-arterial computed tomographic angiography (IACTA) during the planning technetium-99m macro aggregated albumin phase. This technique was useful in planning which artery to administer Y90 microspheres into for maximal brachytherapy. Although patient outcome was poor due to significant arterio-portal shunting, we believe that IACTA is a useful adjunct to conventional digital subtraction angiography in planning radioembolization therapy.

A theoretical comparison of x-ray angiographic image quality using energy-dependent and conventional subtraction methods

X-ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is widely used for vascular imaging. However, the need to subtract a mask image can result in motion artifacts and compromised image quality. The current interest in energy-resolving photon-counting (EPC) detectors offers the promise of eliminating motion artifacts and other advanced applications using a single exposure. The authors describe a method of assessing the iodine signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that may be achieved with energy-resolved angiography (ERA) to enable a direct comparison with other approaches including DSA and dual-energy angiography for the same patient exposure. A linearized noise-propagation approach, combined with linear expressions of dual-energy and energy-resolved imaging, is used to describe the iodine SNR. The results were validated by a Monte Carlo calculation for all three approaches and compared visually for dual-energy and DSA imaging using a simple angiographic phantom with a CsI-based flat-panel detector. The linearized SNR calculations show excellent agreement with Monte Carlo results. While dual-energy methods require an increased tube heat load of 2× to 4× compared to DSA, and photon-counting detectors are not yet ready for angiographic imaging, the available iodine SNR for both methods as tested is within 10% of that of conventional DSA for the same patient exposure over a wide range of patient thicknesses and iodine concentrations. While the energy-based methods are not necessarily optimized and further improvements are likely, the linearized noise-propagation analysis provides the theoretical framework of a level playing field for optimization studies and comparison with conventional DSA. It is concluded that both dual-energy and photon-counting approaches have the potential to provide similar angiographic image quality to DSA.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Early Computed Tomographic Angiography for Visualizing Medium Sized Inferior and Posterior Projecting Carotid System Aneurysms

Conventional angiography, generally referred to as intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, still remains the gold standard reference method for the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms, helical computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a new non-invasive volumetric imaging method. This study was conducted to screen patients presenting with subarachnoidhemorrhage by CTA before conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and subsequently comparing the results for various aneurysm projections. In a prospective study, 99 consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage were screened for aneurysms with CTA followed by conventional DSA. There were 17 cases with negative angiograms in whom repeat angiograms, three months later were negative for 15 cases, while two cases were found to bear aneurysm on the repeat examination. Eighty two patients had at least one proven aneurysm on initial DSA and two on the repeat angiogram. Out of 84 patients, five underwent endovascular treatment and 79 patients who underwent surgical clipping were considered for projection evaluation. Sensitivity of CTA was 98.78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.4-99.7%), while the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 81.57-100%) and the kappa coefficient of agreement between CTA and DSA was 96.5%. The most significant discrepancies with DSA findings were for visualizing the projection of inferior and posterior projecting proximal anterior circulation aneurysms. Helical CTA was in good concordance with DSA for screening of cerebral aneurysms; however, for exact visualization of the aneurysm neck and its projection, especially if it is inferior or posterior, DSA remains the gold standard.

Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease: Diagnostic Performance and Effect on Therapeutic Management of 64-Section CT Angiography

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and effect on therapeutic management of 64-section computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the assessment of steno-occlusive disease in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. A total of 212 patients with symptomatic PAD underwent CT angiography and subsequent DSA. For stenosis analysis (≥ 70% stenosis), the arterial bed was divided into 35 segments and evaluated by three readers. Interobserver agreement was determined with generalized κ statistics. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were calculated. In addition, according to the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease guidelines, treatment recommendations based on CT angiographic and DSA findings were compared. McNemar test was used to prove significant differences between CT angiographic and DSA findings. A total of 7420 arterial segments were evaluated, with excellent agreement between readers (κ ≥ 0.928). On a segmental basis, both sensitivity and specificity for stenosis of 70% or more were at least 96% (3072 of 3113 segments and 4141 of 4279 segments, respectively), with an accuracy of 98% (7213 of 7392 segments), a PPV of 96% (3072 of 3187 segments), an NPV of 99% (3141 of 3187 segments), a PLR of 36.7, and an NLR of 0.013. There was no significant difference between CT angiographic and DSA findings (P = .62-.87). In accordance with TASC II guidelines, 49 patients were referred for conservative treatment, 87 underwent endovascular procedures, 38 underwent surgery, and 17 received hybrid treatment. Therapy recommendations based on CT angiographic findings alone were identical to those based on DSA findings in all but one patient. The diagnostic performance of 64-section CT angiography is excellent in patients with clinical symptoms of PAD. The results can be used to effectively guide therapeutic decision making in these patients.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of the bleeding source in non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhages: a comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

Conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is currently regarded as the gold standard in detecting underlying vascular pathologies in patients with intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH). However, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic workup of ICHs has considerably increased in recent years. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and yield of MRI for the detection of the underlying aetiology in ICH patients. Sixty-seven consecutive patients with an acute ICH who underwent MRI (including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and DSA during their diagnostic workup) were included in the study. Magnetic resonance images were retrospectively analysed by two independent neuroradiologists to determine the localisation and cause of the ICH. DSA was used as a reference standard. In seven patients (10.4%), a DSA-positive vascular aetiology was present (one aneurysm, four arteriovenous malformations, one dural arteriovenous fistula and one vasculitis). All of these cases were correctly diagnosed by both readers on MRI. In addition, MRI revealed the following probable bleeding causes in 39 of the 60 DSA-negative patients: cerebral amyloid angiopathy (17), cavernoma (9), arterial hypertension (8), haemorrhagic transformation of an ischaemic infarction (3) and malignant brain tumour with secondary ICH (2). Performing MRI with MRA proved to be an accurate diagnostic tool in detecting vascular malformations in patients with ICH. In addition, MRI provided valuable information regarding DSA-negative ICH causes, and thus had a high diagnostic yield in ICH patients.

SU‐D‐301‐03: Next‐Generation Angiography: A Theoretical Comparison of Signal and Noise in Photon‐Counting and Dual‐Energy Approaches

Purpose: Energy‐resolving photon‐counting (EPC) x‐ray detectors are being developed in a number of research laboratories around the world. An exciting prospect for these detectors is the ability to suppress non‐iodinated structures in an angiographic image without motion artifacts that limit the use of conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). However, dual‐energy technology also has the potential to provide background‐removed angiograms without motion artifacts. We develop a general theoretical framework for estimating image signal and noise in background‐suppression techniques in angiography and use it to directly compare image quality in dual‐energy angiography (DEA) with image quality anticipated using EPC detectors Methods: We developed a method for estimating iodine signal and noise in a general background‐removal technique that uses either energy‐ integrating or EPC x‐ray detectors. We applied the developed framework to the task of separating iodine from soft tissue using DEA with low and high applied tube voltages of 50 kV and 80 kV, respectively, and energy‐resolved angiography (ERA) with a 70‐kV applied tube voltage and an EPC detector with three energy bins. We compared the signal‐difference‐to‐noise ratio (SDNR) in an iodine specific image that could be obtained with each technique. We compared the theoretical predictions to calculations obtained using Monte Carlo simulations of the same imaging task. Results: Under the imaging conditions considered, SDNR obtained using ERA is only higher than that obtained using DEA by a factor of 1.1. The theoretical SDNR predictions compared very well with results from the Monte Carlo calculations for both DEA and ERA. Conclusions: We found that, for the task of isolating iodine in soft‐tissue, SDNR obtained with ERA is only greater than that obtained with DEA by 10 % for the same patient entrance exposure. This suggests that research resources may be better spent on developing dual energy methods by improving detectors for dual‐energy applications.

Diagnostic value of high spatial and temporal resolution time-resolved MR angiography in the workup of peripheral high-flow vascular malformations at 1.5 Tesla

To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic impact of time-resolved MR angiography (TR-MRA) combined with parallel imaging and low contrast dose for the assessment of peripheral high-flow vascular malformations (VM) at 1.5 Tesla (T). Twelve consecutive patients (7 female, 5 male, mean age 24.7 ± 11.1 years) with known or suspected high-flow VM underwent time-resolved MRA. Two readers individually assessed image quality, diagnostic confidence as well as hemodynamic features. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) correlation was available in 9 patients. TR-MRA provided a comprehensive assessment of all VMs with good quality images, allowing reliable differentiation of the early and main arterial phases and of at least the early venous phase. Based on hemodynamic features VM were classified as predominantly arterial malformations in 5 cases (42%), or arteriovenous malformations in the remaining 7 cases (58%). The high-flow component of a VM was confirmed by DSA in 9/9 (100%) cases during the interventional treatment procedure. TR-MRA of peripheral VMs with temporal interpolation and stochastic spiral trajectories is feasible, allowing the assessment of dynamic inflow and vessel-specific information similar to conventional DSA. Therefore, TR-MRA represents a reasonable alternative imaging technique for the pre-treatment evaluation of high-flow VMs.

First-Pass and High-Resolution Steady-State Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Peripheral Arteries With Gadobenate Dimeglumine

To assess the feasibility of combined first-pass (FP) and steady-state (SS) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the peripheral arteries with gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance) and to evaluate diagnostic performance relative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). A total of 35 patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) underwent FP MRA (repetition time [TR]/echo time [TE]/flip angle [FA]/acquisition time [TA] = 3.5/1.2/30°/14s) at 1.5T after intravenous injection of 10 mL of gadobenate dimeglumine. Thereafter, SS imaging of the calf (TR/TE/FA/TA = 7.5/2.3/20°/40-130s) and femoropopliteal (TR/TE/FA/TA = 7.5/2.3/18°/130-240s) regions was performed after a second injection of 5 mL of gadobenate dimeglumine. All patients underwent conventional DSA. Three readers reviewed separate FP and FP+SS MRA datasets for image quality and presence/absence of clinically relevant PAOD. A fourth independent observer evaluated DSA images. The diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) achieved with each dataset was determined and compared. Inter-reader agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. The image quality of 134 of 140 vascular regions was optimal or adequate on SS MRA. Inter-reader agreement was good to very good for assessments of FP (κ = 0.725) and combined FP+SS images (κ = 0.866). SS images improved diagnostic confidence in 34 (48.6%) femoropoliteal and 46 (65.7%) crural regions and altered final diagnosis in 8 (11.4%) and 10 (14.3%) regions, respectively. Global diagnostic accuracy increased from 92.9% on FP images to 95.9% on FP+SS images, with significant (P = 0.0384) improvement in the crural region. SS MRA of the peripheral arteries is feasible with gadobenate dimeglumine and potentially improves diagnostic performance in patients with symptomatic PAOD.

Three-dimensional rotational angiography in the assessment of the angioarchitecture of brain arteriovenous malformations

The angioarchitecture of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVM) still remains a complex subject of study despite advances in medical imaging techniques. For this reason, the present study aimed to assess whether or not 3D rotational angiography (3DXA) might improve the assessment of BAVM. Included prospectively were 72 patients who had undergone conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3DXA for pretherapeutic assessment of BAVM prior to radiosurgery. Dimensional criteria, arterial-feed patterns, venous drainage, points of weakness and vascular densities (VD) of the nidus and shunt zone were studied. 3DXA detected all arteriovenous shunts by revealing abnormal venous enhancement. Post-processing tools similar to CT and MRI may also be used to make complex 3D reconstructions. In addition, the technique provided significant help for volumetric estimations, extraction of arterial feeders and origins of draining veins, and analysis of the 3D conformation of the nidus. Furthermore, 3DXA detected significantly more points of weakness, such as intranidus aneurysms and venous anomalies (P<0.005). In 65% of cases, a gradient of vascular enhancement intensity was found between the arteries and draining veins surrounding or comprising the nidus. VD, or the percentages of space occupied by the enhanced vascular elements, was evaluated in both the nidus and shunt zone. VD in the shunt zone was highest in untreated patients with no history of bleeding (P<0.005). 3DXA offers a useful approach to BAVM exploration and can improve our knowledge of lesional angioarchitecture, necessary for the planning of therapeutic strategies.

Vision Loss, Diplopia, and Eye Pain

The 3 most common emergencies encountered in a busy clinical ophthalmology practice are loss of vision, ophthalmoplegia, and diplopia. Orbital pathologies are remarkably varied and encompass a broad range of inflammatory/ infectious processes such as pseudotumor, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (i.e., cavernous sinus syndrome produced by an idiopathic granuloma), and invasive aspergillosis; vascular lesions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and carotid-cavernous fistulas; neoplasms; and demyelinating disease. Multidetector CT (MDCT) with 2D and 3D reconstructions and contrast-enhanced MRI with fat suppression are essential modalities in the imaging armamentarium. Axial CT angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and conventional digital subtraction angiography are crucial for assessment of vascular entities. A systematic, location-based approach is key for evaluation of ophthalmologic emergencies. Special consideration should be given to the cranial nerves in patients with diplopia and to the optic chiasm in those with vision loss. A thorough understanding of the normal structures within each relevant anatomic subdivision can help the radiologist formulate an accurate differential diagnosis and avoid diagnostic pitfalls and mimics.

CT Perfusion with Angiography as a Substitute for both Conventional Digital Subtraction Angiography and Acetazolamide-Challenged SPECT in the Follow-Up of Postbypass Patients

Background: We evaluated the clinical usefulness of CT perfusion (CTP) with angiography (CTA) as an alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and acetazolamide (ACZ)-challenged single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the follow-up evaluation of hemodynamic changes and bypass patency after bypass surgery in chronic cerebral ischemic diseases. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent superficial temporal artery/middle cerebral artery bypass surgery for chronic cerebral ischemic diseases were retrospectively enrolled. We assessed the relationship between CTP parameters [cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), affected-to-unaffected hemisphere (ATU) ratio of perfusion parameters and MTT differences between hemispheres] and SPECT parameters (regional CBF and cerebrovascular reserve) and compared the preoperative CTP parameters with the postoperative ones. For the bypass patency, we compared CTA with DSA. Results: MTT showed the best correlation with CVR of SPECT (r = –0.343; p < 0.001). ATU ratio (r = –0.547; p < 0.001) and ATU differences (r = –0.592; p < 0.001) of MTT correlated well with the ATU ratio of rCBF on ACZ-challenged SPECT. Significant improvement of perfusion parameters could be demonstrated in the affected vascular territory with postoperative CTP. The CTA findings were consistent with those of DSA in 96% of the cases. The examination-related complication rate was 0, 2.8 and 8.6% for CT studies, DSA and SPECT, respectively. Conclusions: CTP performed simultaneously with CTA seems to be a safe and efficient substitute for DSA and ACZ-challenged SPECT in the follow-up evaluation after bypass surgery in patients with chronic cerebral ischemic diseases.